Shaft torque monitoring using conventional digital fault recorders

A software package that utilizes a conventional digital fault recorder (DFR) and a personal computer (PC) to perform the important functions of a power station turbogenerator torsional monitor has been developed. This is referred to as MOST (monitoring of shaft torque). MOST was developed to take advantage of the current technology to provide simulated shaft torque monitoring that is simple, reliable and requires no new hardware. The authors provide a description of the theory and features of MOST. MOST uses outputs from a conventional DFR. MOST results have been validated by three independent methods. MOST is currently being applied at three nuclear units and five coal-fired units in the Arizona Public Service Company's system.<>